The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) is extremely pleased with the success of the past four Australian Youth Olympic Festivals (AYOFs) and the increasing international participation from National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across the globe.

This youth multi-sport event is a significant part of developing future Olympians and a legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The AOC believes the AYOF will complement the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC’s) plans for the global Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

As part of the AOC’s commitment to the development of Olympic sport and junior athletes in Australia, the AOC has confirmed it will conduct the fifth AYOF in Sydney from 14-18 January 2009.

The AYOF seeks to provide future Olympic athletes with an environment reminiscent of an Olympic Games and promote the Olympic ideals of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

The event has the patronage of the IOC. The five day AYOF embraces a high level of sports competition, and features elements of the Olympic Games model such as an Opening Ceremony, Medal Ceremonies and Village type accommodation for athletes and team officials.

The nations invited are: Australia, Argentina, Brazil Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oceania, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Chinese, Taipei and USA.